Transport Contract Manager - Two

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Transport Contract Manager

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Service – EA Transport

JOB PURPOSE: The Education Authority requires two Transport Contract Managers to work within the EA Transport Service. Reporting directly to the Head of Service, the post holder will manage a complex portfolio of contracts worth in excess of £80m. These contracts cover the full range of contracted transport provision and on‑vehicle safety equipment for the EA, including a significant contract with Translink for Ulsterbus, Metro and NIR travel for eligible pupils, a Dynamic Purchasing System contract for private hire taxi and bus services, and an ever‑increasing focus on SEN transport requirements.

As a Contract Manager within the EA Transport Service, the post holder will play a vital role in ensuring supplier compliance with legislation and guidance, monitor spending to achieve value for money, and maintain high delivery and service/product quality while meeting end‑users’ satisfaction ratings.

The post holder will create and manage an agreed supplier recording and auditing system, administer it across all transport contracts, and endeavour to increase efficiencies and improve service deliverables while reducing costs where possible. Regular reports and outcomes will be presented to the Head of Service and the Transport Management Team. The role requires close collaboration with all stakeholders to deliver a quality service that meets our goals and exceeds customer expectations.

• Ensure all contract management activities listed in the EA Contract Management Guide are completed on time and to required detail.
• Develop and manage contract administration processes to ensure compliance with all service‑level agreements, including variations/change control, financial monitoring, performance monitoring and other contract mechanisms.
• Actively manage the contract management system, ensuring all actions are identified and recommendations made to meet compliance and objectives.
• Maintain intimate knowledge of the contracts and associated terms within the portfolio.
• Arrange schedules of contracts due in advance, and organise panel members, contract specifications, panel meetings and evaluation panels.
• Coordinate and agree with Transport Senior Managers, panels and HoS on contract requirements and specifications.
• Assess supplier requirements and ensure expectations are met.
• Act as interface between external suppliers, internal colleagues and procurement/legal teams concerning contract reviews, changes and retendering.
• Play a supporting role in the commissioning and procurement of Home to School Transport Services across the EA.
• Comply with all Departmental controls relating to commercial practice and otherwise, including strict adherence to delegated authorities, governance, legislation and policy as appropriate.
• Contribute to the review, revision and development of existing and new contracts.
• Drive service improvement across all contracts for all goods and services for the Transport Service.

• Oversee the management of contracts through auditing and reporting.
• Manage and oversee all Transport audits, report writing and action planning within the remit of Contract Management.
• Create, maintain and operate Management Information Reports that ensure all processes and procedures are in place and working effectively within the Service.
• Provide timely reports and presentations to the Head of Service on all Transport contract review and performance matters, spending and satisfaction levels with each service provider.
• Put in place an annual onsite supplier auditing schedule.
• Set deadlines and ensure timelines are met, often under challenging circumstances and competing priorities.
• Support the Transport Service in monitoring and controlling contract expenditure in line with agreed budget limits, facilitating action plans to address over‑ and under spend.
• Provide support and recommendations to the Transport Senior Management Team from the findings identified from audits, reports and end‑user complaints.

• Identify areas for improvement…